Shortlist announced for Sussex Sports Awards

Daphne Belt

Published:13:08Tuesday 03 November 2015

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THE shortlist for the 13th annual Sussex Sports Awards has been announced and it features a total of 12 local clubs and individuals.

The black tie event, to be held at The Grand Hotel on November 27, will once again celebrate the achievements made by Sussex sports stars and welcome special guest, London 2012-heptathlete, Louise Hazel, and regular host, Danny Pike.

Lancing-based gymnastics club, Wickers Gymnastics, is shortlisted for club of the year award, the only category to go to the public vote. The club has enjoyed success in county age group competitions and boasts five Sussex champions.

Kim Stenning, 27, is up for the coach of the year award. Stenning, of Albion in the Community, recently gained her level 3 FA coaching award and has completed her youth modules. This year she has worked with more than 250 girls aged six and over.

Jordan Okonta is shortlisted for the disabled sports personality of the year. He represented his country at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles this year, winning two medals.

The primary school of the year award is dominated by local schools. Worthing’s Thomas A Becket, Durrington’s Orchard school and Rustington’s Summerlea Community are all shortlisted.

PE teacher, Alison Groves, is shortlisted for the outstanding contribution to sport award. Groves, who teaches at The Angmering School, has been involved in PE for 27 years.

Shortlisted for the sports personality of the year award is 76-year old Daphne Belt, of Arun Trinity. Belt was crowned world champion in the 75 to 79 age group in the ITU World Age Group Triathlon Championships in Chicago and came third in the sprint distance.

The men’s water polo team from Worthing Swimming Club are shortlisted for team of the year. They have progressed from Division 4 to Division 2 of a national competition and are just outside the top ten water polo teams in the country.

Shoreham-based David Fickweiler is shortlisted for the unsung hero award. He has provided 40 years’ service to Adur Athletic Football Club, taking on a number of different roles.

Worthing-based Nik Bedwell is shortlisted for the volunteer of the year award for his work with basketballSUSSEX. He has been involved in basketball in Sussex for more than 20 years.

Finally, 13-year old Mia Bailey is shortlisted for the young volunteer of the year award for her work at Wickers Gymnastics.

Sadie Mason MBE, Active Sussex chief executive, said: “Worthing clubs have a long history of producing top sporting talent and this year is no different. In 2014 the region had no less than ten nominees and this success has been carried on into 2015 as we get set to celebrate the achievements made by clubs, sports stars, coaches, and volunteers across the area.”